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What causes blood pressure to fluctuate between high and low?

May 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Blood pressure fluctuations may be caused by stress, irregular medication use, diabetes, atherosclerosis, renal artery stenosis, and other factors. To stabilize blood pressure, it is important to reduce stress, take medications regularly, maintain a controlled diet, keep blood glucose levels stable, and have regular vascular health checkups. Comprehensive management can help reduce blood pressure variability and support cardiovascular health.

Generally speaking, fluctuating blood pressure—rising and falling unpredictably—may be caused by excessive mental stress, irregular medication intake, diabetes, atherosclerosis, renal artery stenosis, and other factors. If abnormal symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek prompt medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Mental Stress

Mental stress may result from family-related issues, environmental factors, neurasthenia, depression, anxiety disorders, and similar conditions. When under significant stress, blood vessels constrict and heart rate increases, leading to elevated blood pressure. As stress subsides, blood pressure may drop, resulting in fluctuations. This may also cause symptoms such as headache, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and irritability. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, maintaining healthy sleep habits, and seeking psychological counseling or therapy can help manage these effects.

2. Irregular Medication Use

Individuals with hypertension require long-term antihypertensive medications to control their blood pressure. Failure to take medication consistently—such as missing doses or incorrect dosing—can lead to unstable blood pressure, causing it to fluctuate. In addition to unstable readings, symptoms like headache, dizziness, and palpitations may occur. It is essential to strictly follow medical instructions, take medication on time and in the correct dosage, and regularly monitor blood pressure.

3. Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by genetic predisposition, infections, environmental factors, and others. Poorly controlled blood glucose levels can impair vascular function and disrupt nervous system regulation, leading to blood pressure fluctuations. These fluctuations may be accompanied by symptoms such as increased thirst, increased appetite, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Treatment should be conducted under medical guidance using medications such as metformin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, glimepiride tablets, and repaglinide tablets.

4. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is primarily caused by abnormal lipid levels, hypertension, diabetes, genetic factors, and others. In severe cases, arterial elasticity decreases and the lumen narrows, increasing blood flow resistance and causing blood pressure to fluctuate. Symptoms may include chest tightness, chest pain, and leg pain. Follow medical advice for treatment with medications such as atorvastatin calcium tablets, rosuvastatin calcium tablets, and enalapril maleate tablets.

5. Renal Artery Stenosis

Renal artery stenosis may be caused by atherosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, or other conditions. Reduced blood supply to the kidneys due to arterial narrowing can lead to fluctuating blood pressure when the degree of stenosis varies. Besides high blood pressure, symptoms may include flank pain, hematuria (blood in urine), and impaired kidney function. Medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, benazepril hydrochloride tablets, and telmisartan tablets should be used under a physician’s supervision.

To maintain stable blood pressure, individuals should focus on reducing mental stress, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, taking medications regularly, managing diet, maintaining stable blood glucose levels, and undergoing regular evaluations of vascular health.

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